This two-day meeting, hosted by the Sri Lanca College of Internal Medicine (SLCIM) and President Suranga Manilgama was attended by approximately 375 internal medicine physicians and trainees. The opening ceremony was led by a procession of distinguished guests and council members in academic regalia to the accompaniment of traditional drumming. After welcoming speeches by the minister for health for Sri Lanka and Presidents of SLCIM and ISIM and a keynote address by a distinguished Sri Lankan chemist/scientist, Professor de Silva, the ceremony concluded with traditional Sri Lankan and Indian dances performed for the audience and a festive reception.

The scientific program was well organized and covered diverse topics in internal medicine. Presentations were made by local and overseas experts including USA (Mayo Clinic faculty, ACP and ISIM representatives), speakers from India, Nepal, Bangladesh as well as Sri Lanka.  There were poster and oral presentations by trainees that had regional health as well as general internal medicine content. The presenters were all well prepared and displayed enthusiasm and knowledge of their topic. Many past-presidents of SLCIM as well as faculty members from some of the 8 universities in Sri Lanka attended the meeting.

Dr. Hood made remarks at the opening session, bringing greetings from ISIM EC and at the President’s dinner. In addition, she presented a scientific address and took part in judging trainee posters. Dr. Quazi Islam, a member of ISIM executive committee was on the program but unable to attend. There were several opportunities to speak informally with senior registrars, practicing physicians and professors about the challenges and benefits of medical education and medical practice in Sri Lanka.